**Namibia's Founding Father Passes Away at 95**

**Former President Sam Nujoma, revered for his role in Namibia’s liberation from apartheid, has passed away, leaving a legacy of leadership and resilience.**

In a solemn announcement from Windhoek, Namibia's current leader has confirmed the passing of Sam Nujoma, the first president of the newly independent Namibia. Nujoma, aged 95, served as a vital figure in the country's liberation struggle from South African rule, famously co-founding the South West African People's Organization (Swapo) in the 1960s.

His fight for independence culminated in Namibia’s liberation in 1990, followed by his ascension as the nation’s first president, a position he held until 2005. President Nangolo Mbumba stated that Nujoma had been hospitalized for the last three weeks and succumbed to an illness from which he could not recover. Mbumba’s announcement was filled with a profound sense of loss, calling Nujoma an inspiration who urged the Namibian people to embrace their heritage.

He remarked, “Our founding father lived a long and consequential life during which he exceptionally served the people of his beloved country.” After retiring as president, Nujoma continued to play a significant role in Namibian politics, stepping down as head of Swapo in 2007 after nearly half a century of leadership. His legacy as the architect of Namibia’s freedom continues to resonate throughout the nation and beyond.